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This study attempts to quantify the degree of independence of Central Bank of India from both legal and behavioural contexts over the period 1990–1991 to 2018–2019, a period encompassing major developments in the operation and regulation of Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

We followed Jasmine et al. (2019) to calculate the magnitude of de jure independence of RBI and for de facto independence, “turnover rate (TOR) of CB governor” as proposed by Cukierman et al. (1992) is applied.

The results report that the legal autonomy of RBI increased specifically after the reforms and post formulation of Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). However, the actual independence of RBI remains more or less in line within the critical threshold limit of 0.2.

The study proposes effective implementation of laws and procedures designed to promote the independence of Central Bank of India imperative for an effective monetary operation along with a coordinated fiscal policy.

Targeted study of a particular central bank on its “independence” aspect in general and of the Reserve Bank of India in particular has not been attempted as on date. It is to this end that the present study contributes.

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-02-2023-0098.

This paper attempts to examine the transmission of exchange rate changes into the domestic prices together with other important determinants of later, in case of a developing country, namely, India.

In an open economy Philips curve framework, a symmetric model developed by Pesaran et al. (2001) together with a complete asymmetric model developed by Shin et al. (2014) has been applied to assess the transmission of exchange rate changes into the domestic prices (inflation) of India. In addition, non-linear cumulative dynamic multipliers are used to portray the route between disequilibrium position of short run and new long-run equilibrium of the system. The multipliers highlight the asymmetric adjustment paths and/or duration of disequilibrium and therefore add valuable information to the long and short-run asymmetry.

In symmetric framework, exchange rate pass-through is reported to be incomplete and short-run pass through is found to be lower than the long-run pass through. A contractionary monetary policy stance is observed to decrease inflation in the long-run only and in the short-run, a case for price puzzle is observed, although the coefficient is statistically insignificant. Similarly, the impact of output growth is positive in both the short and long-run and both the coefficients are statically significant. Finally, the oil price inflation is also found to escalate the domestic inflationary pressures in both the short and long run, although the pass-through transmission is lower in the short-run than in the long-run. In case of an asymmetric setting, evidence in favour of directional asymmetry is reported whereby long-run impact of currency appreciation is found to be higher than depreciation. Similarly, a contractionary monetary policy action lowers the inflation, the easy one increases it; however, the impact of both the positive and negative changes in interest rate is found to be symmetric. An increase in GR is found to increase the inflation by a relatively appreciable magnitude than is observed when the fall in GR is reported. The possible reason for this asymmetric response of inflation may be explained in terms of asymmetric behaviour of demand conditions during economic upturns and downturns and downward inflexibility of prices. Finally, the transmission of oil price inflation to domestic inflation is also found to be asymmetric. An increase in oil price inflation leads to an increase in domestic inflation by a higher magnitude. whereas a decrease in it lowers inflation only marginally.

From a policy perspective, it is certainly important for the central banks to monitor the exchange rate changes so as to design the appropriate policy actions to resist any inflationary pressures resulting from the external sector. More importantly, a gauge on the factors that lead to destabilizing exchange rate movements or large currency price fluctuations is highly warranted. The results also highlight the relevance of proper domestic demand management and lowering dependence on oil imports to avoid the unnecessary inflation pressures in the economy.

While some studies have explored the possibilities of asymmetric interactions in the case of India, however, these studies have considered only the partial asymmetric model specifications and have not included a well-established theoretical base to include the other potential determinants of inflation as well. In this regard, the authors applied a complete asymmetric model specification developed by Shin et al. (2014) in an open economy Philips curve framework to assess the transmission of exchange rate changes into the domestic prices (inflation) of India. This paper will enrich the existing literature from a viewpoint of a comprehensive analysis of exchange rate pass-through by taking note of potential asymmetries coupled with other important determinants of inflation.

Concrete-filled double skin tube (CFDST) columns are considered one of the most effective steel-concrete composite sections owing to the higher load carrying capacity as compared to its counterpart concrete-filled tube (CFT) columns. This paper aims to numerically investigate the performance of axially loaded, circular CFDST short columns, with the innovative strengthening technique of providing stiffeners in outer tubes. Circular steel hollow sections have been adopted for inner as well as outer tubes, while varying the length of rectangular steel stiffeners, fixed inside the outer tubes only, to check the effect of stiffeners in partially and full-length stiffened CFDST columns.

The behaviour of these CFDST columns is investigated numerically by using a verified finite element analysis (FEA) model from the ABAQUS. The behaviour of 20-unstiffened, 80-partially stiffened and 20-full-length stiffened CFDST columns is studied, while varying the strength of steel (f_yo = 250–750 MPa) and concrete (30–90 MPa).

The FEA results are verified by comparing them with the previous test results. FEA study has exhibited that, there is a 7%–25% and 39%–49% increase in peak-loads in partially stiffened and full-length stiffened CFDST columns, respectively, compared to unstiffened CFDST columns.

Enhanced strength has been observed in partially stiffened and full-length stiffened CFDST columns as compared to unstiffened CFDST columns. Also, a significant effect of strength of concrete has not been observed as compared to the strength of steel.

Among the many factors fueling the inflationary tendencies in an economy such as monetary shocks, structural shocks, demand shocks, external shocks and demographic changes, the issue of inflation (INF) has also been found to be related to fiscal policy decisions of the government. The purpose of this study is to investigate the inflationary tendencies in India particularly from the fiscal point of view. The study also examines the influence of other potential determinants such as output growth rate, interest rate, trade-openness (TO) and oil price inflation (OPI).

To examine the dynamic nature of association between fiscal deficit and inflation, the study applies the Toda-Yamamoto (1995) test and Breitung and Candelon (2006) test to investigate the nature of causality in time and frequency domain frameworks. In addition, to scrutinize the possibility of a long-run association, that too from an asymmetric point of view, the study applies a Non-linear Autoregressive Distributed lag model (NARDL) given by Shin et al. (2014). Finally, non-linear cumulative dynamic multipliers are used to trace the traverse between disequilibrium position of short-run and subsequent long-run equilibrium of the system.

The authors found a unidirectional causality from fiscal deficit to inflation in case of time domain analysis and no feedback causality is reported. However, in case of frequency domain design, causality from fiscal deficit to inflation is found at low frequencies only, i.e. no short-run causality is established and hence dynamic nature of the relationship between the two variables is vindicated. Using NARDL model, the results document the existence of an asymmetric long-run direct association between fiscal deficit and inflation. However, an increase in deficit is found to be more inflationary and a decrease affects the inflation with a lower magnitude. The asymmetric impact of fiscal deficit on inflation can be explained through the existence of liquidity constraints, consumption-investment downward inflexibility and the downward price stickiness. Contractionary monetary policy action is found to be more effective than an expansionary one, signifying the asymmetric influence of monetary policy actions on the inflation of India. Similarly, in a supply-constrained economy with downward price rigidity, the authors found an asymmetric impact of output growth and output decline on inflation. As regard to the trade-openness, although an asymmetry is reported, the signs refute the validation of Romer (1993) hypothesis. Finally, the impact of oil price inflation on the inflationary pressures is according to theory but the coefficients are devoid of statistical significance.

These results indicate some important policy recommendations. Fiscal consolidation strategy should be executed in an appreciable manner to achieve the sound fiscal health and lower INF. The disciplined fiscal strategy would also be imperative for an effective monetary policy. Monetary authorities should possess noticeable credibility to manage the macroeconomic system and policy stances should be implemented according to requirements of the economy. Growth in output should be encouraged to have two-fold benefits to the economy – reducing INF on the one hand and fiscal deficits on the other.

The study contributes to the existing literature in the following ways. First, taking note of dynamic nature of the relationship between these two variables, the study examined the deficit INF nexus in a dynamic and asymmetric framework. The novelty of the study is ensured by the very nature of it is the first study in case of India to identify the fiscal INF in an asymmetric configuration. The authors applied a NARDL model, given by Shin et al. (2014) to examine the existence of any cointegrating relationship in an asymmetric paradigm. Second, the nature of causality between fiscal deficit and INF has been examined in a time domain and FD framework to portray precisely the casual interactions between these two variables in the short-run and long run. The study will, therefore, enrich the existing literature along the asymmetric lines.

Because of growing energy consumption and increasing absolute CO₂ emissions, the recent calibrations about the environmental sustainability across the globe have mandated to achieve the minimal energy consumption through employing energy-efficient technology. This study aims to estimate linkage between simple measure of energy efficiency indicator that is reciprocal of energy intensity and total factor productivity (TFP) in case of Indian paper industry for 21 major states. In addition, the study incorporates the other control variables like labour productivity, capital utilization and structure of paper industry to scrutinize their likely impact on energy efficiency performance of the industry.

To derive the plausible estimates of TFP, the study applies the much celebrated Levinsohn and Petrin (2003) methodology. Using the regional level data for the period 2001-2013, the study employs instrumental variable-generalized method of moments (GMM-IV) technique to examine the nature of relationship among the variables involved in the analysis.

An elementary examination of energy intensity shows that not all states are equally energy intensive. States like Goa, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Tamil Nadu are less energy intensive, whereas Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Assam and Punjab are most energy-intensive states on the basis of their state averages over the whole study period. The results estimated through GMM-IV show that increasing level of TFP is associated with lower level of energy per unit of output. Along this better skills and capacity utilization are also found to have positive impact on energy efficiency performance of industry. However, the potential heterogeneity within the structure of industry itself is found responsible for its higher energy intensity.

States should ensure and undertake substantial investment projects in the research and development of energy-efficient technology and that targeted allocations could be reinforced for more fruitful results. Factors aiming at improving the labour productivity should be given extra emphasis together with capital deepening and widening, needed for energy conservation and environmental sustainability. Given the dependence of structure of paper industry on the multitude of factors like regional inequality, economic growth, industrial structure and the resource endowment together with the issues of fragmented sizes, poor infrastructure and availability and affordability of raw materials etc., states should actively promote the coordination and cooperation among themselves to reap the benefits of technological advancements through technological spill overs. In addition, owing to their respective state autonomies, state governments should set their own energy saving targets by taking into account the respective potentials and opportunities for the different industries. Despite the requirement of energy-efficient innovations, however, the cons of technological advancements and the legal frameworks on the employment structure and distributional status should be taken care of before their adoption and execution.

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that empirically examines the linkage between energy efficiency and TFP in case of Indian paper industry. The application of improved methods like Levinsohn and Petrin (2003) to derive the TFP measure and the use of GMM-IV to account for potential econometric problems like that of endogeneity will again add to the novelty of study.

This paper aims to scrutinize the asymmetric interactions between current account deficit and gross fiscal deficit in case of a growing and dynamically integrated economy, namely, India featured with high inequality and liquidity constraints. Two additional variables, trade-openness and output growth, are also incorporated into the analysis to assess their likely impact on the current account balance.

The study uses a recently developed non-linear autoregressive distributed lag model given by Shin et al. (2014) in its empirical examination. In addition, non-linear cumulative dynamic multipliers are used to understand the route between disequilibrium position of short-run and subsequent long-run equilibrium of the system.

The study confirms the long-run co-movements of current account deficit and gross fiscal deficit and therefore refutes the Ricardian Equivalence proposition and validates the twin-deficit hypothesis. But instead of a linear relationship of the kind examined in the previous studies, the two variables share asymmetric linkages – both in the short run and in the long run. The asymmetry indicates that positive changes are more influential than their negative counterparts in the short run, whereas in the long run, only the positive changes are found to alter the external balance statistically. The asymmetric impact of fiscal deficits on the current account balance of a country may arise due to its asymmetric impact on aggregate demand through consumption inflexibility (ratchet effect) and the existence of liquidity constraints. The other control variables used in the study are also found to have cointegration with the current account deficit, but the relationship is symmetrical in the long run, even though it is asymmetrical in the short run. The study finally uses the asymmetric cumulative dynamic multipliers to examine the route of asymmetries and adjustments over the course of time. The dynamic multipliers also confirm the results documented in the earlier part and therefore demonstrate their robustness.

The asymmetric results obtained in the study provide strong grounds to devise the policies adaptive to changing arenas in domestic and external sectors. Output growth, export promotion and import substitution, increasing integration and fiscal austerity are seen as helpful in achieving a desired (and growth conducive) external balance together with macroeconomic stability. The need for a prudent fiscal policy and avoidance of profligacy is indicated based on the asymmetric results to ward off any unfavorable impact of fiscal deficits on external account. To conduct a sound fiscal policy, the government needs to cut down unproductive consumption expenditure, raise tax revenues and should pay attention to distribution and trickle-down effects to avoid the adversity of high inequality and liquidity constraints in the economy. Moreover, to ameliorate the current account balance, policies aimed at increasing the real competitiveness through control of domestic price fluctuations and improvement in the quality of tradable goods and services (such as productive investments and technological advancements) should be adopted.

Work reported in the present paper is motivated by the fact that there is no study conducted so far in the Indian context which has analyzed the two deficits in a nonlinear framework. The authors have used a well-articulated nonlinear asymmetric technique to examine the relationship between two deficits when asymmetry is incorporated. This paper will, therefore, enrich the existing literature along the lines of asymmetric linkages. Moreover, the traverse of asymmetries and adjustments over the course of time highlights the inherent dynamism of the relationship.

This paper aims to measure the state-level energy efficiency in Indian paper industry and simultaneously explain inter-state variation in efficiency by inefficiency effect model. Three variables, labor productivity, capital intensity and structure of paper industry, are included in inefficiency effect model to assess the likely impact on energy efficiency.

Sub-vector input distance function is derived through neo-classical production function which provides measures to estimate energy efficiency. Assuming a translog production function specification, energy efficiency is estimated by using Battese and Coelli (1995) stochastic frontier analysis (SFA). The authors also estimated four other SFA models, and energy efficiency from all the models is compared for robustness checking.

The results show the existence of a vast potential to improve energy efficiency. Inefficiency effect model reported a positive impact of structure of the industry and capital intensity on energy efficiency performance, while labor productivity does not have any significant impact on energy efficiency. There exists considerable energy efficiency variation among states. Uttarakhand, Punjab and Orissa are the best performing states while Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Goa have worst energy efficiency performance based on average efficiency. The ranks assigned to states according to inefficiency effects model are found contrary to the simple measure of energy efficiency, i.e. energy intensity. Thus, energy intensity may not always be a good proxy for underlying energy efficiency and need to be compared with a comprehensive possible measure.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study which measures energy efficiency of Indian paper industry through stochastic frontier model using region-level data. Instead of relying on traditional energy efficiency indicators (energy-output ratio), total-factor energy efficiency approach is used to conduct the empirical exercise. Deviations from the frontier because of factors beyond the scope of producers are also incorporated into analysis to portray the magnitude of random factors in influencing the efficiency performance.

Purpose: This study examines sustainability communication’s direct and indirect effects on consumer loyalty and brand reputation. It also aims to identify sustainable practices that enhance consumer behaviour and brand reputation.

Methodology: The study used a cross-sectional survey design and collected data from 500 participants through an online survey. The survey included measures of sustainability communication, consumer loyalty, brand reputation, and demographic variables. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the hypothesised relationships between the variables.

Findings: The results of the SEM analysis suggest that sustainability communication has a direct and positive effect on consumer loyalty, which in turn positively impacts reputation. Furthermore, the study identifies specific sustainability practices, such as reducing the carbon footprint and promoting ethical sourcing, that can positively influence consumer behaviour and brand reputation.

Implications: The study underscores the significance of adept sustainability communication for fostering consumer loyalty and boosting brand reputation. Focusing on initiatives like loyalty programs and personalised offers can harness this connection. Additionally, the research identifies critical sustainable practices – carbon reduction, ethical sourcing, and renewable energy investment – that foster positive consumer behaviour and brand reputation.

Originality/value: This study provides new insights into the mechanisms by which sustainability communication can influence consumer behaviour and brand reputation. The study identifies the importance of consumer loyalty as a mediator between sustainability communication and brand reputation. It recommends companies seeking to enhance their brand reputation through sustainability practices.

Over time, there has been a rise in deviant behavior among hotel employees. This scenario motivates researchers and practitioners to address the issue. The study aims to examine the influence of socio-psychological factors (abusive supervision, workplace ostracism, work-family conflict and emotional exhaustion) on workplace deviance (interpersonal and organizational deviation) in the hotel industry with the moderating effect of interpersonal justice and perceived organizational support.

We gathered data from 416 employees in the hotel industry by employing a convenience sampling method and administered structured questionnaires. Subsequently, we conducted data analysis using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Results showed that abusive supervision had a direct impact on work-family conflict, emotional exhaustion and interpersonal and organizational deviation; similarly, workplace ostracism had a positive impact on work-family conflict, interpersonal and organizational deviation, but it did not significantly impact emotional exhaustion. Finally, interpersonal justice had significant moderators between abusive supervision and interpersonal and organizational deviation.

This study contributes to the extent of research on the antecedents of interpersonal and organizational deviance and the mediating roles of work-family conflict and emotional exhaustion. Secondly, this research developed an integrated conceptual framework for categorizing the causes of interpersonal and organizational deviance by checking the mediation effect of work-family conflict (WFC) and emotional exhaustion (EE). Perceived organizational support (POS) and interpersonal justice (IPJ) as moderators, which is an addition to earlier works in this field of research.

This study aims to look at the current state of academic research on innovative work behavior (IWB) and how far it has progressed by using key performance analysis and science mapping techniques of bibliometric analysis.

This study has analyzed 246 publications from Web of Science database on IWB from 1989 to 2021. Data were analyzed using MS Excel and VOSviewer.

There has been a rise in the number of academic studies on IWB during the past decade. In addition, it was discovered that a significant percentage of papers had multiple authors working together on them and that collaborations between institutes in Asia and the developed world are taking place.

IWB research trends and trajectories may be assessed to enable academics and practitioners better understand the current and future trends and research directions. Future studies in this field might use the findings as a starting point to highlight the nature of the topic.

Bibliometric techniques provide a far more comprehensive and reliable picture of the field. This article has the potential to serve as a one-stop resource for researchers and practitioners seeking information that can aid in transdisciplinary endeavors by leading them to recognized, peer-reviewed papers, journals and networks.